Staff

Heart of the Panther: Putting the Heart in Midway

At Midway ISD, our support staff play an essential role in the success of our schools. From the front office to the classroom, from campus safety to behind-the-scenes operations, these team members help create the environments where students can learn, grow, and thrive.

The Heart of the Panther recognition honors support staff who go above and beyond in their roles—those who lead with care, build strong relationships, and serve their campuses with consistency, pride, and purpose.

Their work may not always be in the spotlight, but their impact is felt in every hallway, every classroom, and every interaction. They are the steady, trusted presence that helps make Midway special.

We are proud to celebrate this group of outstanding individuals who truly embody the Heart of the Panther.

Graphic of the 2026 Heart of the Panther Awardees

Midway High School

Tabatha Shelby, Campus Secretary

Tabatha Shelby is the heart and soul of Midway High School’s front office. Known for her warmth, energy, and genuine kindness, she creates a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through the door.

Students and staff alike feel seen, supported, and valued because of the way she connects with others. Her joyful spirit and willingness to help in any situation make a lasting impact on the campus culture.

Ms. Shelby doesn’t just do her job—she lifts people up every single day. She is a true embodiment of the Heart of the Panther.


Midway Middle School

Meredith Wells, Counselor/AP Secretary

Meredith Wells is the steady force behind Student Services at Midway Middle School. From managing substitutes and supporting campus systems to assisting administrators, counselors, and teachers, she helps keep everything running smoothly each day.

Known for her reliability and positive attitude, Meredith is someone her team can always count on. She approaches every task with care and a willingness to help, no matter what’s needed.

Her behind-the-scenes impact is felt across the entire campus, and the support she provides allows others to do their best work. Meredith truly represents the Heart of the Panther.


River Valley Middle School

Diane Miller, ISS Instructor

Diane Miller brings patience, structure, and care to her role as ISS instructor at River Valley Middle School. She creates an environment where students are held accountable while also being supported and encouraged to grow.

Through her calm approach and consistent expectations, Diane helps students reflect, reset, and move forward with confidence. She builds relationships that allow students to feel respected and capable of making better choices.

Her work plays a critical role in supporting both students and campus culture. Diane’s dedication and heart for students make her a true example of the Heart of the Panther.


Castleman Creek Elementary

Danny Boykins, Instructional Assistant

Danny Boykins defines what it means to serve others. Whether supporting technology, leading specials, providing behavior support, or serving as PTA President, she consistently steps up to meet the needs of her campus.

Her commitment goes even further as she has learned both ASL and Spanish to better connect with and support her students—ensuring every child feels included and understood.

Her impact reaches students, staff, and families alike, and her dedication strengthens the entire school community. She is a shining example of the Heart of the Panther.

Chapel Park Elementary

Keziah Carter, ECSE Paraprofessional

Keziah Carter brings compassion, patience, and a deep understanding of students to her work at Chapel Park Elementary. Supporting Early Childhood Special Education students, she has a remarkable ability to meet each child exactly where they are—approaching every interaction without judgment and with genuine care.

Keziah creates a calm, consistent environment where students feel safe and supported. She understands that behavior is communication and responds with empathy, helping students build trust, confidence, and connection. The relationships she forms are powerful—when a student lights up simply by seeing her, it reflects the sense of belonging she creates each day.

Beyond the classroom, Keziah continues to make an impact through her leadership in the Panther Kids program, where she fosters the same sense of care and support. She leads by example, uplifts those around her, and helps her campus thrive.

Keziah’s heart for students and dedication to serving others make a lasting difference. She truly embodies the Heart of the Panther.


Hewitt Elementary

Terry Mason, Campus Safety Specialist

Terry Mason is a constant and caring presence at Hewitt Elementary, approaching campus safety with intention while serving far beyond his role. While he helps ensure a secure environment for students and staff, what truly sets him apart is how he shows up for people each day.

From greeting students and building meaningful connections to stepping in wherever help is needed, Terry is a visible and trusted part of the campus. He is the first to lend a hand, support a colleague, or simply offer encouragement—always with a positive and servant-hearted approach.

Students know him, staff rely on him, and the entire campus feels his impact. Terry is more than a safety specialist—he is a helper, a connector, and a true blessing to Hewitt Elementary. He exemplifies the Heart of the Panther.


Park Hill Elementary

Robin Arocha, Self contained paraprofessional

Robin Arocha is a constant and compassionate presence for some of Park Hill’s youngest learners. In her role as a self-contained paraprofessional, she supports some of our students through every part of their day—from arrival and instruction to lunch and dismissal—meeting each need with care and consistency.

Her reliability is unmatched, and her dedication to her students and campus is evident in everything she does. Robin approaches each day with a positive attitude and a willingness to do whatever is needed to support student success.

She is more than a team member—she is a trusted, steady presence and a source of encouragement for both students and staff. Robin’s commitment and heart for service make her an absolute gift to Park Hill and a true embodiment of the Heart of the Panther.


Speegleville Elementary

Lisa Howard, PreK 4 Assistant

Lisa Howard has been a dedicated part of the Speegleville Elementary family for eight years, bringing consistency, care, and heart to her work with young learners. In the Pre-K classroom, she helps create an environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Whether guiding daily routines or supporting small group instruction, Lisa plays an important role in helping students build a strong foundation. Her patience, creativity, and attention to detail turn everyday moments into meaningful learning experiences.

Lisa’s impact is felt in the confidence and joy of the students she serves. She is a true example of the Heart of the Panther.


Spring Valley Elementary

Jenifer Flores, Campus Tech Para

Jenifer Flores brings joy, creativity, and heart to Spring Valley Elementary each day. As the campus technology paraprofessional, she leads engaging STEM experiences for every grade level—sparking curiosity and helping students discover a love of learning through exploration and innovation.

Each morning, Jenifer warmly greets students as they arrive, building genuine connections not only with them, but with their families as well. She has a gift for making people feel known, valued, and excited to be part of the Spring Valley community.

Jenifer also plays a special role in shaping the feel of the campus. From leading morning announcements to capturing and sharing the everyday moments that matter, she helps ensure the school reflects the joy, love, and pride we all have for students. 

Always ready to jump in wherever she’s needed, Jenifer leads with a servant’s heart and an uplifting spirit. She truly embodies the Heart of the Panther.


South Bosque Elementary

Jayme Mason, Math Intervention

Jayme Mason is deeply committed to helping every student succeed. Through her work in math intervention, she meets students where they are—building both their skills and their confidence with patience and encouragement.

She starts each day welcoming students with warmth and energy and ends it ensuring they safely connect with their families. In between, she leads, supports, and steps in wherever needed—from coordinating honor guard to serving as a trusted STAAR administrator.

Jayme’s dedication, positivity, and willingness to go above and beyond make her an invaluable part of South Bosque. She truly reflects the Heart of the Panther.


Woodway Elementary

Blam "Benita" Fajardo, Campus Custodian

Benita Fajardo plays a vital role in creating a safe, clean, and welcoming environment at Woodway Elementary. Her attention to detail and strong work ethic ensure that students and staff have a space where they can thrive each day.

She consistently goes above and beyond her responsibilities, stepping in to support cafeteria operations and helping wherever needed. Her positive attitude and pride in her work make a lasting impression on everyone she serves.

Benita’s quiet dedication and commitment to excellence make her an essential part of her campus and a true example of the Heart of the Panther.

Posted 
Apr 30, 2026
 in 
Staff
 category